r«'*«K k> ntunia.) Dear Sir: Ilie cause of the reading crisis, which everyone admits has been Ihe main problem in American education for may years, is now aulhoritively identified in a hook des. Edition of The Courier News">

The Courier News from Blytheville, Arkansas · Page 3

Page 3 article text (OCR)

oLetterA (t.tttm M !»• i«uur in niklert » tdlllw. »•«»«. ••« T»«» >M »• «'«•'«• Ui» n«i»il M Sai"mfKii. "N» len>r«'*«K k> ntunia.) Dear Sir: Ilie cause of the reading crisis, which everyone admits has been Ihe main problem in American education for may years, is now aulhoritively identified in a hook described by Dr. John W. Gardner, HEW secretary, as "the most important book on cducalion of the pasl ten years." The book is "Learning lo Read; The Great Debate" (McGraw-Hill) by Dr, Jeanne S. Shall, Harvard professor of cd- ucnlion. Her work was commissioned by Ihe Carnegie Corporation five years ago. During this time. Dr. Chall did a critical analysis on the research on beginning reading from 1910 to 19fi5. She inspected the actual findings of the rcasearch rnlher than to accept unquos- tioningly Hie researchers' conclusions about them. As a result. Dr. Chflil fixes responsibility for reading failure on the "look-say" or whole-word method of elementary reading instruction, mixed with occasional alphabetical drill which still prevails In most American public schools. She found lhal the results of all careful research made since "910 confirms the superiority of Ihe method of instruction which is based on the alphabet. Her hook, bearing the endorsement of the Carnegie Corporation and of highest governmenl authority, confirms the thesis which The Reading Reform Foundation was formed to sustain — lhat Ihe cure of most reading troubles is as simple as ABC. We urge all educators, teachers, parents, and public-spirited citizens lo unile in immediately installing sound alphabetic Instruction of our children in all schools. This is (lie only way to secure the universal education for which our public school system was planned, and has lamentably failed to provide. In the pasl, parents complaining of their children's inability to read have often been overawed by statements of school principals lhal research shows lhal Ihe methods in use are the best available. Hie shoe is now on the other foot. If criucalors present this defense, parents should quietly but firmly remind them that the highest, educational authority in the country is now on Ihe side of phonics, and thai phonics should be taught in the beginning stages of learning to read. The issue is settled; it is now time lo act. Very truly yours. Leland Bland and Mrs. Leo Merlens, co-chairmen for Arkansas of Ihe Reading Reform Foundation DeValls Bluff, Ark, * * * Dear Sir: In your Thursday, February 15th edition, Mayor Tom Little answered several questions about the proposed sewage program. 1 believe lhal his answers will go far In assuring many voters aboul Ihe issue. Of special significance is Ihe professional approach he outlined in planning the system and inspecting it at various stages of construction. This was one major failure in the 195S sewage construction program and his explanation should remove considerable citizen skcplicism about the merits of Ihe plan. Tlie Mayor and Council should be commended for their efforts in using a professional approach in solving Ihe. current crisis. 1 hope lhal this professionalism is indicative of their action lo make sure that \ve are never again faced with a similar problem. I'm looking forward lo Ihrir constructive and equitable action in three basic areas of sewage planning: 1) adequate and equitable sewer rales to maintain and replace Ihe completed system 2) adequate code revision and or enforccmenl and 3) provisions for funding future sewage construction through fees on new construction and sub-divisions. Sincerely, Ed Allison. ¥ * ¥ Dear Sir: Your editorial to the February 13, 1968 issue of the Courier News relating some of the historical events of the Mississippi County Health Drp'artmi'iil and Us role played in fighting disease epidemics in Mississippi County {luring the 1920's and ]9;U)'s which I presented to Ihe Blylheville fiotarj Club Thursday. February 1. 1%8 is aprpcciiiiud in part. However. 0:ie statement in your article is quite unfair to several members of the HcHllh Department staff, including myself, wim spent many hours during Ihe nionlh of January compiling an annual report from our records depicting services rendered by the Department lo the County and its citizens. Your statement, and I quole. . . ."lasl week this newspaper received some public health statistics on Mississippi County from Ihe Stale Health Department. Several telephone calls lo Ihe County Health Department were necessary in order to shake out an annual report on Of OtU public health In Ihe County during 1M7. it made an interesting story, but without the alert from Ilie Slale Health Department, It would never have been written.". The annual report lo which both of us refer was mailed from our office lo Ihe County .Indue, members of the Quorum Court. Superintendents of county schools, Mayors of municipalities, newspapers in the' County and other Interested officials and individuals on January 31, 1961). I call your allcntion lo a most interesting article written Ihe week-end of February 3. 11168 by one of your very able staff members condensing and summarizing our an- anmiHl report which was referred lo as having been received February 1st or 2nd. This article was published in Ihe February 5th issue, of Ihe Courier News quoting sla- lislics appearing In our report issued the week before Ihe so called "shake out" last week. The editors and reporters of the Courier News as well as other county newspapers have been most cooperative in the pasl by, reporting lo Ihe people news of interest concerning Ihe County Health De- parlmenl and preventive health measures involving our local communities. I hope I can anticipate continuation of this service in Ihe future. If I have been remiss in informing the citizens of Mississippi County of services rendered, services available, programs needed and other facts of in- formalion concerning Ihe activities of the health department, Ihe staff and I will improve communication. Yours truly, J. E. Beasley, M. D. Medical Director Mississippi County Health Department * * * Dear Sir: 1 wonder if you would run an ad in your paper for a friend of mine who doesn't have many friends. He's an orphan from Phoenix, Ariz. He doesn't gel any mail (hardly) and this makes all of us sad. I though maybe you could help. I've lived in Blylheville for about five years and I live at 921 South 21st Street in Blylheville. His address is: Greg Dehamer RA 18950518 Co. 8 - 124 Sig. Bn. 3rd Bde, 4th Inf. Div. APO SF 96355 Sincerely yours, Pfc. Warren King Vietnam Dear Sir: Your recent article concerning Ihe election of Major William Hancock as president of Ihe Mississippi County Union Mission prompted an urge to commend this gentleman, and lo thank him for Ills acceptance of this great responsibility, and participation in a very worthwhile community and area activity, devoted to lending a helping hand, materially and spiritually, lo those less fortunate. His interest is especially commendable in view of the busy schedule of an Air Force officer on flight status, and the fact that he is nol a native of Blytheville or Mississippi County. This is a further example of Ilie fine ties existing between our city and Ihe Air Base, and of the contributions made lo our community by Ihe Air Force personnel. Sincerely yours (Name Withheld by Request) * * Y Mr. Rdilor: II is most gratifying to note. In the Arkansas Gazelle thai Mr. Day voted against HB 78, I to authorize corporal punishment in Ihe operation of Ihe Arkansas Penitentiary). II might be further noted that Mrs. Aulrcy voted for the whip lo slay in continuance. 1 am sure being loyal lo the old guard that elected her, was or is of far more importance than Ihe whippings and healings that has gone on at the prison. It is hard for us who have a "yen" for good Rovcrmncnl. lo overlook the fact that our Senator Bearden stood with Ihe others on a standing ovation after the ex- convict spoke so softly of Ihe atrocities at the prison. The Senator was noted further as being with the. "pull-backers" who think Ihe constitution of Arkansas needs no revision. Some are thinking that perhaps a lol of talking is coming from both sides of his mouth. We are watching. We feel that the voices from our section of Ihe slate have Ihe same old familiar ring of the Faubus era. in many cases. Musi we. of necessity, continue lo send a Republican lo the Capital, when we'd rather send a Democrat? Hive Ihe present governor a chance. If he falls flat on his face, fine. Then we can al least know we were American about it and gave him a chance. As long as that Faubus crowd pulls, back and away, that long we'll have to continue sending Rockefeller back. Out of sheer courtesy he must he given a chance lo put into action some semblance of a program, even if many of the Legislators iwho might be good-people) have lo be replaced. Robbie Allan Helping Mentally Retarded Children DEAR ABBY: Several weeks ago I read with special interest a letter in your column from the mother of a mentally retarded daughter. She applauded the wise decision on the part of the parents to institutionalize their retarded child when it became apparent that she could no longer be properly cared for at home. Despite the progress being made in providing facilities in the community for the retarded, there slill remains a continuing need for residential care. I bear Ihis in mind when 1 consider with gratitude how fortunate we have been thus far that our own little granddaughter, who is a mongoloid child, has been able to live at. home with her parents and sisters. There is, of course, great heartache when a child must go to an institution. But sometimes it, is the most courageous and intelligent choice. Once a child has been placed in an institution it is important for the family to maintain an active interest in the quality of care that is provided there. If it is not ade- quate, they should join with other families and concerned persons in seeking improvements. This can be done most effectively thru one's local association for the retarded. I know of no stronger voice to raise the quality of institutions which may be sadly below the standard of treatment and training that is possible. Sincerely, MURIEL HUMPHREY (Mrs. Hubert H.) DEAR ABBY: I have a sister-in-law who never uses my brother's given name. She always refers to him as "my husband." She calls my mother and constantly peppers the conversation with "my. husband" this and "my husband" that, as if my mother doesn't know what relationship exists between the two of them. She does the same to me and my brothel's and sister. I have even asked her to please refer to him as "Dan," but she continues lo go "my husbanding," all to the point of distraction. Have you any suggestions as to how we can get her on a first - name basis with "her husband?" HIS SISTER DEAR SISTER: If you have told her, and she persists in rubbing the relationship into your hair (which is what she apparently de- 15 Years Ago —In Blytheville Mrs. Mason Day Jr., Mrs. J. M. Williams Jr. and Miss Arden Ferguson honored Miss Betty Black with a breakfast bridge at Hotel Noble yesterday. Mrs. Paul Jobe left this morning for St. Loui? and Detroit where she will spend ten days visiting relatives. Blytheville's Chickasaws remained unbeaten in Arkansas competition last night in chalking up their second win over the Eagles of Green County Tech 67-61 in a game played at the Tech Gym. Moi.troe Holland scored 25 points and Red'Chil- dress racked up 21 for the Chickasaws. J. C. Droke has pledged Phi Kappa Alpha at Arkansas State College. lights in doing), you'd be wise lo bear it in silence. The problem, as I see it, is YOUR refusal U> accept the relationship because you don't like her. And if she works Ihe word "husband" into every conversation, perhaps she is still so overwhelmed -with having one she keeps using the word because it's music to her ears, Iho it's irritating to others. DEAR ABBY: I just received a "thank you" note for a wedding gift I sent last June. It was from the bridegroom's MOTHER, signed "Dickie's Mom." She wrote, "The kids received your gift and thought it was just great, but they .have been very busy so I am. helping out by writing their thank you notes." And ended with, "Better late than never, ha ha." Your opinion, please? SEEN EVERYTHING DEAR SEEN: It's just a cut above having to contact "the kids" to find out whether they ever received your gift. Troubled? Write to Abby, Box 69700, Los Angeles, Cal. 90069. For a personal reply, enclose a stamped, self - addressed envelope. THE BI rTHEVILUS COURIER NEWS THE COURIES NEWS CO. H. W. HAJNEa, PUBLISHER . HARRY A. HAINES Assistant PubliEher-rEditor GENE AUSTIN Advertising Manager Sale National Advertising - , Representative Wallace Wltmer Co.. New York, ffhlcaco Detroit, Atlanta, Mcmpfc't oecond-class postage paid at Blythevllle. Ark. Membe. of the Associated Pr&sa SUBSCRIPTION RATE& By carrier in the city of Blythe* ville or any s:ii,;t. ban towu where carrier service is m..intained'35c per week- $1-50 per month. By mail within p. radius of 'iO miles. $3.00 per yeal. $5.00 (or BIJ mouths. ;3.on for threb months, by mall, outside 5J miles radius 118.00 per year payable in advance. Mfi'l subscriptions are not accepted in towns and cities where Ttas Couriei News carrier service is maintained. Mall subscriptions 010 payable In advance. NOTE: The Courier News assumes no responsibility for photographs maaucrlpt, engravings or mat* lift with It for possible publication. THERE'S AN ARTICLE HERE IN THE PAPER A&01/T THIS D06... 15 &EIN6 BECAUSE THE D06 &U6 UP THE NEl6HeOR'5 FLOWER GARDEN BW, VO(J D065 SURE PO •SOME STRANSE THIN65 /I CANNOT BE RKKNflBlf) FOR THE ACTIONS OF COLLEAGUES! J Crosby NEW YORK - (NBA) - He TV Notebook by joan crosby Bell Ringer Paragould High School and physical education leacher Clinton Gore are doing the impossible — bringing kids back to school after Ihe bell rings! Gore started a program last night that opens the PHS gym from 7 to 9 p.m. for students who want Ib gel in some extra pxercise. Core said lhal he wanted to tlart some inlramural programs — basketball and oilier sports — lo allow those filudents to participate who do not get Ihe opportunity •therviM. Said Ilie coach, "We will be out here every Thursday night for l\vo hours. Last nifihl. we had al least 100 boys . , . play- Ing on the trampoline, ping-pong, basketball, even wrestling. "We wanted lo see how many were interested'and now we want lo form some teams and begin our intramural league. We plan to start with basketball." Sounds like a bell ringer!—Paragould DaJiy Press gives himsclr three or four more years in show business, then he plans lo quit and become a teacher. And you believe il because Bill Cosby, for all his success and Emmy award, is not the usual show business personality. He happens to be one of the most brilliant character comedians and one of the funniest men in show business, to say nothing of a dramatic talent that he has displayed in I Spy. But be also happens to be a man who likes to have fun in his work, who is, at the moment, not having fun in 1 Spy, and who cares deeply about seeing that youngsters in underprivileged areas know t h e importance of, and receive, a good education. Bill is 28 credits from h i s Bachelor of Science degree and he has been in touch with Southern California to see about taking two courses a semester to get the degree. Then, before he teaches, lie wants lo earn a Masters and Ph.D. "I want to leach only in a depressed area. The subject matter is nol important as long as Ihe kids gel the message that they have lo study. 1 wasn't interested in studying when 1 was a kid because it got in the way of my having fun. When I became a man, 1 suddenly realized I knew how to do absolutely nothing. It was the result of my not studying. So I took a high school exam and got a diploma and applied for admission 16 Temple University." Bill's first special, The Bill Cosby Show, is set for NBC- TV on March 18. With the exception of two dance numbers, and an opening involving some kids from Philadelphia and a lillle girl musician, the show is all Bill telling those wonder- fu tales of his boyhood, NBC lias an option for two more specials, and one of the sponsors of his first is very interested in continuing the relationship. Meanwhile, he is busy with a five - minute, five - times • a- week radio show, and ad lib affair which he says is fun to do; personal appearances (ha had two recent sell-out con- certs at New York's Philharmonic Hall) and his new production company, CSC Produc- tions, which has a deal lo make five movies tor Warner Brothers • Seven Arts release. Bill will appear in two of the five movies. Whether 1 Spy continues al- &LJentat - by William lawrence, d.d.s. - Lawrence Q — Can a man who has angina pectoris live to be very old? How much exercise can he take? Would being overweight, add to his risk? A — Angina pectoris is a warning lhat coronary insuffi- cience may develop. If the warning is heeded and if you carry one of the quick - acting nitrates with you at all times, you may outlive your doctor. Moderate exercise, such as walking and swimming, is rec- ommended but should be stopped immediately at the fir.it sigh of discomfort in the chest. Learn to gauge the amount of exercise you can take without it causing pain or fatigue. Being overweight would definitely add to the risk of more serious heart trouble. Q — I have angina pectoris and am taking Peritrate twice a day. Does it have any bad side effects? A — Side effects are rare but in some persons this drug causes mild headaches. It should not be taken by anyone who has glaucoma. Q — I have had two attacks of what my doctor calls coronary vasospasm and am taking nitrates, dicurnarol and librium. Will I have lo take these drugs ter this season is not set, al- ••' t siUj'h i:e thinks they will prob- • ably make 13 more episodes, •• then wait for ratings. Whether or not the series continues, Bill : is a sure bet to increase his -i to movies. And you wonder if ' it won't be hard for him, four ••' years hence when he is all of ' 34, to turn his back on this and ni quit to teach. "Yes, it will be tough, but ' some things will help me to do '•it. If I'm not having fun, it won't be hard to quit. Show • business is not the place to get ••> ulcers. I would rather get them ; teaching." Meanwhile Bill goes home to Philadelphia often to see his -•• family, he continues telling •-. • tales about Old Weird Harold :.' ("who happens to be an al- ' chemist") and Fat. Albert. ("who is. now a policeman and • " indefinitely? .What is the nor- • not fat"), and coming up with C INI br Ntt, IK. "A tot of V*' <""? '"<>' answers fimt been pfionttf in for fomant's T/ opinion poll. Wnen ore we going (o con* tip witi tht mal prothrombin time? A — Coronary vasospasm is another term for angina pectoris. The nitrites will prevent or relieve the spasms and can be I a k e n indefinitely. The dicu- marbl is an anticoagulant. Most doctors prescribe it for six months to three years, then stop it. Librium is a tranquilizer which .you should not let yourself become dependent on. The normal prothrombin time is II to 16 seconds. Q — About five years ago, I had my first attack of chest pairi and difficulty' breathing. My doctor told me to hold a nitroglycerin tablet under my tongue for these attacks. What causes the pain and will the attacks go away in time? A — Your symptoms suggest angina pectoris. The pain is caused by a spasmodic cutting off of the oxygen supply to your heart. You feel the same type of pain in your arm wher your doctor pumps up his blood pressure machine. Angina pectoris does not usually disappear spontaneously, but with proper treatment the attacks can be controlled. Q — My mother has angina pectoris. A small white pill under her tongue will stop the attack. If I should get a similar attack would it be all right to take one of her pills before the doctor arrives? A —No, not until your doctor can male* a deficitf di«|- pointed and memorable one- most of the sex - and - violence epics to be seen in local cinema houses: "They are an intellectual approach to the National Enquirer." Blytheville (Ark.) Courier News Monday, February 19, 1968 Page Six WORLD ALMAMC FACTS After reaching India, his farthest eastward thrust, Alexander the Great returned to Babylon where, after two days of carousing, he became ill and died in 323 B.C. at the age of 33, says The World Almanac. The Macedonian conqueror was buried in Alexandria, Egypt/His gold coffin was melted down by Ptolemy VIII to pay Syrian mercen- aires.